North Queensland Fury defender Mark Hughes is looking forward to the challenge of taking on the physical attacking line of the Central Coast Mariners.

The Fury meet the Mariners, who demolished Perth Glory 5-0 on the weekend, at Dairy Farmers Stadium on Friday night and Hughes admits the prospect of taking on players like Matt Simon, Adam Kwasnik and Daniel McBreen was an exciting challenge.

"They're big, physical lads that'll put themselves about. They never give up, they don't give you any time on the ball they're very awkward to play against and work hard for their goals," Hughes told the Townsville Bulletin.

"To me, they're like English strikers, that's what it's like playing in England every week they work very hard for the team. Whoever plays in defence, you know you've got to be up for the game and you'll know you've been in a game."

Hughes added that these were the type of players he has experienced in the past and although he expects them to be a tough side to beat, he said the Fury would be looking for full points.

"It's probably what I'm more used to, but I wouldn't say more comfortable, because they're good players, they're big lads and they're difficult to play against," the 23-year old added.

"Fair play to them, they're reaping the rewards for the hard work and I'll show them respect, but not too much respect."